| With the recent growth in VOIP and internet | | | | same features that are available in regular analog |
| telephones, there has also been an increase in the | | | | telephones, with the addition of some features unique |
| selection of hardware available for use with VOIP. This | | | | to internet telephones. This can include features such |
| new array of hardware can sometimes be confusing | | | | as videophone capability, interface to SIP providers |
| to the user shopping for a VOIP phone system. This | | | | and built-in data ports. |
| article will attempt to explain the different types of | | | | Hardphones are also available that connect to the |
| VOIP phone systems that are available, and offer | | | | high-speed internet connection using WLAN or WiFi. |
| some suggestions as to what to look for when | | | | These phones provide the greatest flexibility, as there |
| selecting one that meets your needs. | | | | is no cabling involved at all since they simply require an |
| VOIP phone systems can be grouped into three broad | | | | active wireless lan connection within range. |
| categories. 1) USB handsets, also referred to as VOIP | | | | The third category, that of ATAs or IP Phone |
| or IP handsets, 2) Handsets with built-in interfaces to | | | | Adapters, require a regular analog telephone in order |
| high-speed internet connections, referred to as | | | | to implement a complete internet telephone. You would |
| hardphones and 3) Adapters which interface regular | | | | probably want to use an ATA if you already own a |
| analog telephones to high-speed internet connections, | | | | sophisticated wireless analog phone system with |
| referred to as ATAs (Analog Telephone Adapters) or | | | | multiple handsets. ATAs cost a good deal less than |
| IP Phone Adapters. | | | | hardphones, and allow you to take advantage of your |
| The first category, that of USB handsets, can be | | | | existing telephone hardware. ATAs, like hardphones, |
| further divided into two types. The first type is simply a | | | | are also available with WLAN and WiFi interfaces to |
| handset with earpiece and microphone and possibly a | | | | your high-speed internet connection. |
| keypad and display, that interfaces to a PC softphone | | | | Some features to look for in VOIP handsets include |
| (such as those provided by Skype, Firefly, etc). This | | | | video capability, handset speakerphone, intercom |
| type handles only the analog voice signals, touch tone | | | | feature, color lcd display, built-in data ports and |
| generation and display of call id information, while the | | | | selectable handset ringtones. A major consideration |
| softphone application takes care of the rest of the | | | | when choosing an internet telephone system is |
| implementation of the internet telephone. | | | | compatibility with your provider. Be sure to check the |
| The second type of USB handset will have a keypad, | | | | manufacturers specifications, as well as whether or |
| display, earpiece and mouthpiece much like the first | | | | not your VOIP service provider recommends or |
| type. However, this type will come with driver | | | | supports a given phone system. |
| software that interfaces the handset directly to the | | | | Some of the major brands of VOIP handsets are |
| high-speed internet connection. This software will run in | | | | Vtech, Uniden, Phillips, US Robotics and Radian |
| the background, much like a printer or modem driver. | | | | Technologies. Linksys and Dlink are two companies |
| All of the dialing, display and voice conversion is | | | | with extensive experience in data networking that |
| handled by the handset, and a PC softphone is not | | | | produce ATA-type equipment. Vtech and Uniden offer |
| required. | | | | some of the most advanced cordless VOIP handsets |
| USB handsets are available in corded and cordless | | | | and hardphones. Their leadership in the area of |
| versions. The corded handset will plug directly into the | | | | traditional analog cordless phones has given them an |
| USB port using a USB cable. The cordless versions will | | | | advantage in producing feature-rich internet telephone |
| have a base station that plugs into the USB port, while | | | | systems. Linksys and Dlink offer some of the most |
| the handset maintains a wireless connection to the | | | | capable hardware in the area of ATA-type equipment, |
| base station. This type of cordless phone operates on | | | | including multi-port ATAs and routers or modems with |
| the same frequencies that regular analog cordless | | | | built-in ATAs. |
| phones use. | | | | As you can see, there is a wide selection of |
| VOIP phone systems in the second category, | | | | equipment available for implementing an internet |
| handsets with built-in interfaces to high-speed internet | | | | telephone. When choosing equipment, look for |
| connections (hardphones), operate independently of a | | | | hardware that is easy to connect and configure, and |
| PC and they connect directly to the Ethernet port on | | | | as simple to operate as possible. Ideally, using VOIP |
| your DSL or cable modem or router. This type of | | | | handsets should be no more complicated than using a |
| handset offers the most features, and can range from | | | | regular analog telephone, but with the benefit of the |
| a corded handset to a complete desktop phone with | | | | added features unique to internet telephones. |
| speakerphone. In this category you will see all of the | | | | |